Reviewed by Rama Gaind.
Director: Gillian Armstrong, Umbrella Entertainment.
Like life, the movie is not sturdily plotted. It is a little muddled, sprinkled side-by-side with moments of passion and anger interwoven through joy, boredom and the supportive rhythms of daily living.
Nominated for 10 Australian Film Institute (AFI) Awards and written by Helen Garner (Monkey Grip), The Last Days of Chez Nous is Gillian Armstrong’s (High Tide) acclaimed exploration of love, trust, lust and the ultimate betrayal.
Visually splendid in a brand new high definition transfer with exclusive special features, it is a potent drama set around the life of a family facing change.
Beth (Lisa Harrow in an AFI Award-winning performance) is a modern matriarch doing her best to raise her teenage daughter Annie (Miranda Otto, Lord of The Rings Trilogy), whilst enjoying the best of an easy-going marriage to Frenchman JP (Bruno Ganz, Downfall).
When younger sister Vicki (Kerry Fox, Bright Star) returns from abroad and moves into the household she is instantly drawn to the ideal family structure and develops a longing for what is missing in her own life.
Oblivious to their growing attraction, Beth takes a trip with her father (Bill Hunter, Muriel’s Wedding, Strictly Ballroom, The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert) and leaves JP and Vicki behind. She is unaware of the smoldering love triangle that has developed and the turbulence that lies ahead.
Chez nous translates as ‘our house’, but who does it encompasses. It’s obvious that Beth and JP have different notions about it, as the household is about to break up. Then again, was it only Beth’s idea of one or was it really a household to begin with.
There are some special ‘extras’ on this DVD including audio commentary with producer Jan Chapman and Gillian Armstrong and interview excerpts with cast and crew.
We have two DVDs of The Last Days of Chez Nous to give away. Name a film that featured the late Bill Hunter. Entries should be sent to [email protected] by Monday, 30 August 2021. Names of the winners will be announced in Frank Cassidy’s PS-sssst…! column on 31August 2021.
